PHARMACIST immunisers are being urged to follow protocols as surging demand for influenza vaccines has coincided with a rise in vaccination-related incident reports to professional indemnity insurer, Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL).
In a practice alert issued to PDL members, the insurer noted that "this increase may be associated with some pharmacists experiencing vaccination fatigue or making assumptions that past high numbers of this service mean that process review is unnecessary".
"Such conditions may increase the risk of error or complaint," PDL said.
"While these incidents equate to a very small proportion of all vaccines being administered, they do highlight several areas of practice that may benefit from review and staff meetings."
With pharmacies participating in the rollout of free flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs, PDL is encouraging pharmacy owners and managers to ensure their stores are appropriately staffed to meet demand for services.
The insurer also recommended pharmacy teams "consider separating influenza and COVID-19 vaccine services to different days".
Pharmacists are also being advised to check the Australian Immunisation Record (AIR) before vaccinating each patient, and to avoid dealing with multiple vaccine patients at once, "as confusion between different vaccines has been reported".
PDL noted that pharmacists should "follow Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidance, as wilful disregard for guidelines may leave a pharmacist at risk if an incident occurs, or a complaint is received".
Pharmacists should also be aware of differing regulations regarding the minimum age of patients they can administer vaccines to, with PDL stressing that "some jurisdictions don't allow children under 10 years to receive an influenza vaccine" from a pharmacist.
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